Topic
Infrastructure
2,546 speeches · 378 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 137 |
| 2 | Hon. Kumara Jayakody, M.P. JJB | 105 |
| 3 | Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, M.P. JJB | 83 |
| 4 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 76 |
| 5 | Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe, M.P. JJB | 62 |
| 6 | Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, M.P. ITAK | 47 |
| 7 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 46 |
| 8 | Hon. Ajith P. Perera, M.P. SJB | 43 |
| 9 | Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena, M.P. JJB | 36 |
| 10 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 34 |
Speeches
2,546 on this topic- 18 December 2025 The Hon. (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi JJB AI summary Hon. Krishnan Kalaichelvi expressed condolences for those affected by Cyclone “Titli” and described severe damage across 22 districts, especially in hill-country areas such as Nuwara Eliya, Walapane, Kotmale and Hanguranketha. She said many residents in vulnerable estate and hillside settlements remain in shelters or fear returning home due to damaged houses, roads and the risks created by unplanned construction. She welcomed the President’s commitment to relocate affected communities to safer areas and called for that plan to be implemented. She also praised the coordinated disaster response by government authorities, security forces, civil groups and citizens, and highlighted donations from estate workers, including one day’s wage, toward relief efforts. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena - Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena outlined extensive cyclone damage to Sri Lanka’s road and rail networks, estimating A and B road rehabilitation at about Rs. 69 billion and overall road-related rebuilding needs at up to Rs. 190 billion if improved standards and safety measures are included. He detailed the status of reopened roads in Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya, and gave timelines for restoring key railway lines, including Trincomalee, Northern, Puttalam, Batticaloa, Talaimannar, and sections serving Badulla and Matale. He stated that the Ministry had prepared plans, estimates, and schedules, and emphasized reliance on coordinated state officials, volunteers, and political leadership to continue recovery while maintaining 2026–2027 development plans. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Condemning the destruction caused by Cyclone “Titli,” Sajith Premadasa expressed condolences to victims and gratitude to state agencies, security forces, volunteers, and international partners involved in relief efforts. He called for major reforms to Sri Lanka’s disaster-management system, including amendments to the Disaster Management Act, a dedicated Cabinet ministry, stronger technical agencies, Doppler radar capacity, improved data systems, and a Rapid Deployment Force possibly drawing on unemployed graduates. While pledging Opposition support for the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate and relief under Circular 08/2025, he demanded swift, transparent and non-politicized implementation, questioning the inclusion of a politically linked committee recommendation in the Badulla District relief application process. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi [10.01 a.m.] AI summary Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi moved an Adjournment Motion calling for swift, collective and evidence-based recovery measures after Cyclone “Michaung”, including disaster-resilient land use, safer settlements and economic activity that does not worsen natural hazards. He detailed the recovery situation in Nuwara Eliya District, noting substantial restoration of roads, hospitals, drinking water and electricity, while identifying remaining road, hospital and Walapane electricity issues. He commended public officers, security forces, volunteers, engineers, the CEB, the Water Board and NBRO, and highlighted NBRO inspections and reports on landslide risks affecting homes, roads and schools. Adjournment Debate: Current Situation of the Country After Disaster Caused by Cyclone Ditwah Read →
- 18 December 2025 Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism JJB AI summary Multiple tourism initiatives are being coordinated through the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Tourism Promotion Bureau, overseas missions, and industry stakeholders to accelerate policy implementation, worker onboarding, and promotion. The Minister reported increased Tourism Development Levy revenue in 2025, tourism receipts approaching USD 3 billion, and preparatory work for a unified national tourism brand. He said both budget and high-end travelers contribute to local economic activity, while noting hotel room supply of about 90,000 rooms affects room rates. He also referred to the Presidential Task Force on Tourism Development established by Gazette Extraordinary No. 2450/27 of 20 August 2025, which is coordinating relevant institutions and ministries. Question by Private Notice: Credit Expansion and Ministerial Statement on Tourism Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake - President, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and Minister of Digital Economy AI summary The President said the Budget Committee Stage also included Ministry of Finance estimates, supplementary allocations, and a Public Security Ordinance resolution, but that national attention must focus on the widespread flood disaster and its loss of life, missing persons, and displacement. He expressed the Government’s condolences and said the State has a responsibility to rebuild in a more humane and resilient manner to prevent such tragedies recurring. He praised public solidarity, overseas Sri Lankan support, blood donations, and community relief work, and rejected criticism of such civic mobilisation. He also commended the armed forces and police, citing a difficult Navy and Air Force rescue of passengers stranded near Kala Wewa as an example of their commitment and capability. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Continued Budget Debate and Amendments Read →
- 5 December 2025 Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan commended Kilinochchi district officials and village-level officers for their flood response, while condemning the alleged assault on Grama Niladhari Thiyagarasa Kalairupan by a Member of Parliament at Parantan Hindu Maha Vidyalaya and calling for a proper inquiry. He described severe flood impacts across Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and other Northern and Eastern areas, including displacement, isolation of villages and prolonged power outages. He said the disaster should not be politicized or blamed on the Government, but questioned why Sri Lanka remained insufficiently prepared despite past experience with the tsunami and earlier discussions on disaster detection systems. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan expressed condolences to those killed during Cyclone “Titva” and the floods, including five Navy personnel in Chundikkulam and a bank employee, Pathmanikethan, who died after helping rescue bus passengers in Anuradhapura. He compared the disaster with major floods in 1958 and 1983, recalling damage to the Iranamadu Tank and community efforts to protect it. He commended irrigation engineers and officials in Kilinochchi for decisions taken to manage water levels, prevent a breach of the Iranamadu bund, and protect surrounding communities. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Minister K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna described the recent disaster as an unprecedented national calamity, with severe loss of life and infrastructure damage in plantation areas and across Badulla, and argued that mountainous terrain makes recovery especially difficult and costly. He outlined relief and restoration efforts, stating that daily district disaster management meetings were held, most water and electricity services had been restored, many key roads reopened, and repairs to provincial roads, bridges, communications towers, and hospitals were progressing with support from state agencies, the military, volunteers, and utility workers. He criticized the Opposition for allegedly failing to participate in local disaster coordination meetings, questioned claims that they had warned of the disaster earlier, and linked some damage to past debt-funded development that he said had environmental consequences. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake argued that post-disaster priorities should shift from publicity initiatives such as “Clean Sri Lanka” or “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” to restoring damaged homes, bridges, roads, and agricultural land. He warned that unresolved flood and landslide damage would harm tourism, increase rice imports, and leave affected areas such as Mahiyanganaya, Polonnaruwa, Ampara, Batticaloa, Lunugala, Passara, and Silmiyaapura at continued risk. He called for urgent government action, criticized failures in road access and disaster response, and said the Highways Minister should be held accountable. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake described severe flood and landslide damage in Badulla and surrounding districts, thanking southern communities for relief assistance while urging the Government not to politicize aid distribution through party-branded government vehicles. He detailed destroyed bridges, blocked roads, landslides, and devastation at Mahiyanganaya Base Hospital and other public institutions, alleging that timely water management at Rantambe and Randenigala could have reduced the damage. He called for ministerial accountability, including resignation of the Highways Minister, and urged the Government to acquire plantation and suitable forest lands for urgent resettlement of displaced people in Badulla and Passara. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Urban Development JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara rejected Opposition allegations that officials failed to act or that the Government ignored prior information, calling for any such information to be produced. He said the disaster affected 21 districts, with over 80,000 families affected in Colombo District and over 50,000 in Kolonnawa, and described Government efforts to convene divisional and GN-level disaster committees with officials, security forces, police and MPs. He emphasized the role of public servants and volunteers, including the National Youth Services Council, and urged all parties to cooperate in relief and rebuilding efforts. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy criticized the failure of telecommunications during the disaster and urged the Government to establish relief coordination centres with dedicated communication systems. He called for stronger disaster detection and preparedness mechanisms, including links with international experts, specialized tools, and attention to potential post-disaster health risks and medicine shortages. He urged the Government to involve the private sector and civil society, and requested greater authority for Sectoral Oversight Committees to coordinate with global institutions and support recovery efforts. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Hector Appuhamy SJB AI summary Hon. Hector Appuhamy urged the Government to avoid divisive rhetoric that he said discourages officials from making relief decisions, citing difficulties faced by Grama Niladharis in compiling lists for flood cleaning grants. He criticised delays by the Disaster Management Centre, called for recognition of rescue personnel including the late Wing Commander Nirmal Siyambalapitiya, and noted extensive damage to agriculture, industry, exports, employment, and middle-class livelihoods in affected areas such as Kalpitiya and Anamaduwa. He also called for stronger disaster preparedness and early warning systems, referencing India’s pre-positioning of relief centres, evacuations, alerts, and supplies as a model. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. R. G. Wijerathna JJB AI summary Hon. R. G. Wijerathna described severe disaster impacts in Nuwara Eliya District, including 71 deaths, 35 missing persons, about 40,000 affected people, and 24,000 people in 185 safe centres, while noting progress in restoring roads, electricity, and water supplies. He thanked district officials, armed forces, Indian helicopter support, utility agencies, and volunteers, including a group from Kalutara assisting in Nuwara Eliya town. He argued that past politically driven land allocations, forest clearance, and unsafe construction worsened landslide vulnerability, and said timely evacuations helped minimize the death toll despite extensive destruction. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne expressed condolences for those killed and displaced by the disaster in Nuwara Eliya District, particularly in the eastern division of Kotmale, Hanguranketha and Nuwara Eliya electorates. She noted the scale of loss in Rambodagama, where around 28 people died and about 22 remain missing, and commended the Police, Tri-Forces, state institutions, hospitals, road authorities and Divisional Secretariat staff for rescue, relief and restoration work. She urged the public and media not to politicize the tragedy or distress affected communities, and called for support including rebuilding, restoration of infrastructure and psychosocial assistance for survivors. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Fasmin Sharif JJB AI summary Hon. Fasmin Sharif described the severe flood and landslide impact in Kandy District, particularly Gampola, and outlined rescue and relief efforts coordinated through the District Secretariat, Udapalatha Pradeshiya Sabha, security forces, local youth, and outside relief teams. He tabled documents on affected areas, relief distribution, and safe centres, and rejected allegations that local authorities failed to act, citing early public alerts and continuous operations. He said the immediate major challenge is clearing accumulated garbage in Gampola and called for a long-term solution to the lack of land and planning for solid waste management. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary Condolences were offered to those killed by the cyclone, with thanks to the Police, public officials, Tri-Forces, foreign countries, and NGOs assisting relief efforts. The Deputy Minister said hill-country and plantation communities were especially vulnerable because multiple families often live in one house and lack safe places to evacuate, and called for permanent solutions such as safe housing or land allocation in plantation areas. He stated that the Ministry would implement housing and infrastructure projects in the coming year and urged cooperation in recovery efforts rather than politicization of the disaster. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Chithral Fernando argued that post-disaster coordination in Puttalam, particularly Wennappuwa and Naththandiya, was inadequate, noting that the local Disaster Committee had not met and Opposition MPs were not consulted. He criticized the absence of Ministers and MPs in affected areas, the lack of data for relief distribution, failures in communication and telecom resilience, and insufficient media coordination through an official information centre. He cited the death of Group Captain Nirmal Siyambalapitiya and tabled a White House paper on Hurricane Katrina, urging the Government to learn lessons and take disaster management more seriously. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →
- 5 December 2025 The Hon. Ajith Agalakada JJB AI summary Ajith Agalakada said the Third Reading of the Second Appropriation Bill was taking place amid a major natural disaster, and commended officials, security forces, local authorities, and service agencies for limiting damage in Monaragala District. He argued that the Government inherited a weakened economy due to earlier administrations’ policies, but had improved revenue, reduced the deficit, managed debt, stabilized the rupee, and planned further recovery in 2026. Citing past disaster responses after the tsunami and during COVID-19, he said the Government had empowered officials with spending authority for urgent relief and pledged to restore all losses except lives while using the recovery effort to advance the country. Debate - Appropriation Bill 2026 Committee Stage: Budget Debate on Disaster Response and Government Allocations Read →